ITALY is, by far, the European country requested most by my clients...in fact, over 46 million tourist visit this amazing country every year. They come from all over the world, for many different reasons and many will return again and again for that magic that only Italy can deliver. Italians are very kind, outgoing, family-centric and extremely patient (unless they are driving). The Italians realize how blessed they are to be the safe keepers of some of history’s most magnificent relics and art treasures and they are happy to share them. However, there are a few things that most Italians want Americans to know before we arrive in their country. Here is “VIP Travel Experience's” list of the Top 10 ways to blend right in to Italian Culture: 1. Slow Down: You will NOT see it all! Trust me, the reason that the 46 million tourists flock to Italy each year is because there is so much beauty to see and experience: culture, art, vineyards, food, museums and the amazing people!  A lifetime isn’t even enough time! So, slow down, take it all in, appreciate what you DO see….and then plan to return!  I had to tell myself "Enjoy every second, you will see what is meant to be seen on your first visit".  At the time, I thought surely I would never be able to return, thank goodness that wasn't true.    2. Dress more conservatively than you do at home. Miniskirts, short-shorts (they're for the beach); halter tops and saggy jeans will not live up to the classic fashion taste of Italians. You don’t have to be formal and uncomfortable…just neat, put-together, and a little more modest. Some Cathedrals (including the Vatican) will not let you enter if your shoulders and knees are not covered. Cover up, unless you really are spending the day on a beautiful Italian beach. And leave the stilettos at home…Cobblestone streets and high heels don’t get along very well! 3. Cappuccino and Café Lattes are morning-only drinks! A true Italian would never dream of ordering one after late morning, or especially after a meal! If you need a caffeine pick-me-up later in the day, stop  in a coffee bar for a quick shot of espresso. Did you know that Italy is one of the only countries that doesn’t have a Starbucks? They are illegal there because the Italians are so proud of their coffee culture.Italian coffee is superior and should be enjoyed as the real Italians do…Give it a “shot”!(Pun intended!)  Sshh, don't tell but I don't drink coffee, so this bit of info is from friends.  4. Dinner is not usually served earlier than 8:00pm! Showing up at a restaurant before 7:30 will probably get you a view of the staff having their own pre-service meal and a totally empty dining room! Your meal will be more enjoyable in a restaurant full of happy localsand with the wait staff ready to do their thing! Most places charge a “Coperto”, or cover charge, for each table. This is NOT a ploy to take advantage of you…it is routine! It is explained as the cost of washing the linens, dishes, and providing the “free stuff” like bread (pane in Italian) or tap water. Get used to it!  5. Simplify your schedule! Leave time in your day to just wander around and poke your head into the real Italy. If you just get a couple of blocks away from some of the most famous tourist sites, real Italian life is in front of you. Stop to listen to a street performer (and tip!), stop into a neighborhood café for a glass of wine or a coffee or slurp a cone of gelato with the locals. Plus. If you are always trying to keep up with a tight schedule, you and your travel companions will just plain get grumpy! 6. You need to call for a taxi, or go to an actual taxi stand. You cannot just hail a taxi off the street in Italy, and many Italian taxi drivers get their entertainment from watching tourists try to do so! As an alternative, familiarize yourself with the public transportation systems in your town. Busses, Subways, Trains and Boats are remarkably efficient and manage to get millions of Italians where they need to go every day…Why not you? 7. Italian is the official language of Italy! I know this seems obvious…but some Americans go barging in to other countries expecting everyone to speak English fluently? Just learning a few common words and phrases in the local language will make a big difference in your experience. We have seen Americans screaming “DO YOU SPEAK ENGLISH?” at someone (they aren’t deaf…just Italian!) try “I’m sorry, but my Italian is poor…Parla l’Inglese?” (Par-la Een-glace?) Even if you find yourself in the rare circumstance with no English-speakers, Italians speak with their hands, so go back to your charade talents and you will get your point across and have a good laugh doing so! Note:  there are apps now that demonstrate how to say words or phrases in another language, which we tried to do out of respect. 8. Speaking of waiters in restaurants, slow service is good service! European restaurants are drastically different than most here in America. When you take a table for a meal, it is yours for the night or as long as you want…Waiters are NOT trying to “turn tables” fast so they can make more tips. (tips are not required, but a small gratuity for good service is always welcomed)   Waiting tables is a respected profession in most of Europe and they are paid well. Italians enjoy their mealtimes and are not in a rush to dash off to a movie or other event. Dinner IS usually the event! Relax and go with the slow flow! And you must ask for the check when you are ready to leave. It is considered rude for a waiter to bring your check before you ask because he doesn’t want to rush you! Get the picture???   9. Everyone in Italy doesn’t want to kiss you! Italians are very welcoming people, but there is a certain etiquette for reaching out and saying hello!  You will see friends, family and even acquaintances kissing each other on the cheeks and saying “Ciao” all over, however, as a stranger, that might be a little bit “overboard”. When you meet an Italian, take their lead…but a smile and a firm handshake is probably the most appropriate until you get to know them a little better. Also, Italian culture respects its elders and, if someone is introduced as Signore (Mr.) or Signora (Mrs.), it is best not to address them by their first names until they request it. 10. Smile! You are in a country that has welcomed and inspired visitors for centuries! Enjoy the people, the beauty, the art, music & literature. You are one lucky duck…and don’t forget it! The Italians will be happy to share a smile with you and you will return home already planning your return trip in your mind! And remember…”VIP TRAVEL EXPERIENCE” specializes in custom-crafted Italian vacations! Let us help you plan your next adventure to put these newly learned skills to use!  My first experience in Italy was nothing short of magical, and I would love to help you have that same experience!!! If you're to start planning your first trip to Italy, let us know. I would love the explore the possibilities with you. Click here to get in touch with us.

 

Topics: travel tips, romantic getaway, #travelwithfriends, #milestoneanniversary, #viptravelexperience, Italy, reasons to use a travel consultant, #RiverCruise, LOVEITALY, Anniversary Travel, luxurytravel

I've just started a great new book as recommended by my bestie, "From Scratch" by Tembi Locke. It has brought back many memories of our trip to Sicily earlier this year. The beginning of the book is set in Florence, and it's  pretty awesome to read about all of these places I have visited.  But of course, it lists a few new places which I plan to check out next May when we are in Florence again.   One of the main characters in the book is a chef born and raised in Sicily so that has definitely spurred memories of the wonderful food we sampled while in Sicily. But let's talk about Sicily. I was very anxious to explore Sicily after realizing that Allison's great grandparents were from small towns in Sicily.  We researched to find the specific towns where her great grandparents lived and we couldn't wait to experience the culture that her ancestors grew up in.  I have always been obsessed with Genealogy and my burning question has always been WHY here, why did they settle in the towns they did. My first impression was  how different the landscape and food was from mainland Italy and how much things reminded us of home. I loved how friendly and approachable the Sicilians were to us.  I admired their value of family  and the hospitality they showed us through their love of food, much like most southerners.     You don't have to have ancestors from Sicily to really enjoy their culture and traditions;  they will make you feel welcome no matter your heritage.  Three things that really stuck with me: Sicilian Heritage: The connections were evident as we drove through the countryside and saw names of cities and towns that were surnames of people we knew. While we were touring with a private guide in Agrigento, he mentioned that he had visited the United States, he felt most at home in New Orleans because the culture and temperatures were familiar AND THE FOOD! Rural Landscape: Sicily is wide open country, and every quaint town we visited was pretty far from the next. As we traveled along we passed wide open green spaces of  livestock, farms, fishing villages, and  beautiful coasts (photo below). As we traveled, our incredible local guides talked about the history of Sicily, their culture and traditions, as well as prepared us for the next stop. The value of these local guides cannot be understated. Proud Sicilians: I don't know that I would have appreciated as much of Sicily without the local introductions and hands-on experiences with the dairy farmer, winemakers, chocolatier, etc. They are such so proud of their heritage and traditions and welcomed us into their homes for the best home cooked meals I have experienced. They explained about zero-kilometer foods grown and prepared in their gardens and communities using only in-season vegetables. I know that I enjoyed foods I don't normally enjoy at home and I think it was because everything was so fresh. This also reminded me of our ancestors living off of the foods they grew on their farms. Exploring the Sicilian connections, experiencing the rural landscape and interacting with proud Sicilians are only a few of the things that attracted us to Sicily.   If you think Sicily sounds like a place you would like to visit, please reach out, I would love the explore the possibilities with you. Click here to get in touch with us.

 

Topics: romantic getaway, #travelwithfriends, #viptravelexperience, Italy, LOVEITALY, Anniversary Travel, luxurytravel

Travel heightens the experiences life gives us. It caters to the unique interests of each discerning wanderer. Taking ideal journeys for food and wine lovers, history buffs, families, the culturally curious and anyone who dreams of exploring this great wide world we live in.

 

Every person has a different travel personality. This can make it difficult in finding what should be top priority for the trip and it's our job as Travel Experts to figure out what type of traveler YOU are. This helps us customize your vacation to be exactly what you have dreamed and hoped it to be. There are many different personalities for travelers and none are mutually exclusive.

Here are just a few examples of some of travel styles we see most often.

 

What travel personality are you?

Escape Artist
For those choosing to escape for the holidays or escaping with the whole family and make it just a little more special, like Christmas in the Swiss Alps. These clients would probably prefer something cozy and more intimate to enjoy the company they're with as well as the scenery surrounding them. This client wants experiences to last a lifetime and add a little something extra to the festivities. Some activities may include dining or cooking class in home of local chef or in clients private villa renal, as opposed to cooking school.

Foodie
They seem to enjoy the culture and culinary experience from many different destinations and may be more interested in wine tastings, and authentic cooking classes over the typical sights and landmarks.

 

Active adventurer - All adventurers are not alike!
Testing their limits is what this traveler is all about. Clients that want action and adventure are usually going to want more secluded destinations that have kayaking, rock climbing, zip lining, hot air ballooning.  Anything to get that adrenaline flowing.  Yet the wanderer can be anywhere enjoying the exploration and immersing themselves in the culture maybe taking leisurely hikes or what about biking through wine country.   

Sightseers
Laid back, calm, happy-go-lucky, and typically the type of person who is up and ready to go so you can start soaking up anything and everything possible to fully take in your destination. These clients might have a specific destination in mind and ready to check places off that bucket list.

History Buffs
These clients love history, museums, and the arts. The client will be more prone to traveling to older, historically rich destinations. The want to see and hear about everything. They thirst for knowledge and are anxiously observing all the sights and sounds around them. Gearing the vacation to landmarks and museums, or maybe even the occasional castle.  These clients may enjoy after-hours tour of museums and other tours along these lines.

 

If you're wanting more travel inspiration and ideas for a travel inspired life click here.

 

Topics: #girlstrip, #bestvacation, #viptravelexperience, travel planner, planning the right trip, Italy, #reunion, travel concierge, travel consultant, why use a travel agent, Best Vacation Value, First Time Tips to Italy, group travel, paradiseescape

 

"No problem, We Are Here For You!!" 

 

 

Tip 1:  Plan your Trip to Italy well in advance and know the best times to go before you book.

Italy is one of the most visited countries and it tops almost everyone's bucket list.  It's a busy tourism place all year long.  The hot spots are Venice, Florence, Rome, Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre. 

Positano is a precious little town with a finite number of hotels that sell out years in advance, particularly for groups of 6 or more.  The same is true for other towns along the Amalfi Coast or Cinque Terre.   If you are planning to travel to these towns in the summer or fall, it's not uncommon to plan and book a year in advance.  Not only is space limited, but pricing is usually tricky.  The further in advance that you book, the more accommodation options you will have at better values.

Italy is typically a destination you would not want to wait until the last minute to book.  We have great partners and can be sometimes pull a rabbit out of the hat, but planning 9 months to one year out is ideal for you.

Tip 2:  Hotel star ratings and descriptions can be deceiving

Enlist the help of a professional when booking your hotel in Italy.  A 5 star rating in Italy is not the same as a 5 star hotel in the United States, star rating in Italy may not be the best measure to go by when booking your hotel.    Also, don't assume there will be air conditioning or elevators.  Sometimes you may think you are getting a truly "luxury" experience, please pay close attention to the location of the accommodation.  "Steps away from Trevi Fountain" does not mean there won't be a busy intersection between accommodation and Trevi Fountain.  Hotels can be complicated ... wouldn't you prefer to work with professionals that have personally visited the hotels and know the staff.  

Tip 3. Italy is larger than it appears on a map 

Surely, you have heard that Rome was not built in a day and it can't be seen in a lifetime.  Most travelers that I work with want to see 6 or more Italian cities in  8 days or several countries in 10 days.  While you can sometimes  fit it all in, I hope you will reconsider.  Changing hotels every day or 2 days will leave you exhausted and you may well miss the most special things that make ITALY the best travel destination.  Relax and enjoy the authentic parts of each city.  Never underestimate how much time it takes to pack, transfer, unpack from one destination to the next--that usually takes about 1/2 day.

 

 

Tip 4:  Allow enough time to book tickets well in advance to major sites of interest

Skip the line tickets to places like Vatican City in Rome, the Uffizi and Accademia galleries in Florence and Cennacolo where Leonardo Da Vinci's Last Supper resides requires reservations approximately 6 months in advance, maybe longer if you are traveling with more than 4 people.

Tip 5:  Private drivers and private tours

For groups of 3+ travelers, we recommend a private driver and private tours for the best experience.    Many of our clients return to tell us all the tips and tricks their drivers gave them and how much it enhanced their stay.

Tip 6:  Avoid the Tourist Menu

Part of the fun is finding cool little spots for dinner, but please beware.  Big photos of pasta or multiple choices on a menu is a sure sign that it is a tourist trap.  I would venture a couple blocks to the back and look for a restaurant with one main meal written on chalkboard in Italian.  Where you dine, who you dine with and the neighborhood you dine in makes a big difference in your experience.

Plan on an hour or two for dinner.  Scheduling in advance wine tastings and cellar tours with a "lite lunch" is a golden opportunity.  You will not only dine, but have a truly cultural experience. 

 

Tip 7:  Know where to avoid driving

Some of the most popular cities are the most difficult to and dangerous to drive.  I honestly can't think of any town on a first visit that I would recommend driving.   Parking is very expensive (sometimes 100 Euros a day) and leaving your car unattended is not a great idea.  It is very confusing getting around, even for the locals, and many areas prohibit driving, even locals.  And never drink and drive, there is zero tolerance. 

Tip 8:  Know before you go

Cruises can be great fun, but consider what you want to see and do.  After much discussion, most travelers realize they would like to have a more immersive, authentic experience while visiting one of the most beautiful destinations in the world.   Consider that you may only have 5 hours in a particular town along with hundreds of other cruise passengers all trying to see the same iconic sites at the same time.  Cruises can be perfect for some destinations, but I HIGHLY recommend a land experience for Italy.

For more relevant information about your next vacation, we would love to help you.

Why not let VIP Travel Experience help you plan that all-important trip soon...One of my favorite quotes:

 

"The Trouble is...you think you have time"

 

Travel now while you are healthy and able.  Please reconsider skipping your next vacation. Vacations are healthy and really good for your employer for you to rest and recharge. 

 

 

Email me tammy@viptravelexperience.com I would love to hear where your visions are taking you?  Together we can create the best vacation experience for YOU.  It's a big world out there -- we hope you EXPERIENCE it. 

 

 

 

Topics: travel ideas, travel tips, Italy

 

"What is the Perfect Souvenir?" 

 

 

Wikipedia says that souvenir is a reminder of a place visited, and occasion or momento.

Long ago I decided that bringing souvenirs home (unless edible or drinkable lol) really aren't worth my money.  If the person didn't go, it is likely to be in the bags of their next purge.    What I do HIGHLY recommend is a painting, or enlarge a photo from your trip .  Sure, selfies are a wonderful way to get everyone in the photo, but some vacations deserve more than selfies.  That's why we teamed up with Flytographer who have photographers all over the world.  We handle all of the details for you for a 30 minute (or longer if you desire) and all you have to do is show up.  The  photographers from Flytographer will capture your vacation memories in the best photogenic or iconic sites because they shoot there all of the time.  Within a few days, you receive a  link to digitally download the high res images from your photo shoot.  The results are stunning.

 

Here are just a few from our family trip to Ireland.  Since we had five people in our group, I chose the 60 minute session so that we could walk to a few areas of Dublin. We met our Flytographer at St. Stephen Park and shot some there and then we walked a few blocks away for some other "city" photos.  Our photographer not only captured incredible memories but was a great resource for what to eat and little known spots to check out around  the city.  I'm including four of the six locations we visited during our shoot.  For your next trip, please ask us to set this up for you.

 

Note:  Before we were back home, Justin had used one of the images to order a canvas from Sam's and I see it every morning during breakfast and it takes me back to so many wonderful memories of this special time with my adult children.  

 

 

 

 

Email me tammy@viptravelexperience.com I would love to hear where your visions are taking you?  Together we can create the best vacation experience for YOU.  It's a big world out there -- we hope you EXPERIENCE it. 

 

 

 

Topics: travel ideas, travel tips, Italy

 

"How to Have a Stress Free Vacation" 

 

 

So, we work really hard, sometimes 9-12 months on creating the perfect vacation.  It can be so easy, it begins with a "Discovery Call" where we talk about your hopes and dreams for your bucket list trip.  If it sounds like something we can add value to and we both decide to work together.  We begin brainstorming, putting all the little pieces together. One thing we hear quite often is, "Thank you so much, I would have never known how to put all of these trains, transfers, hotels, etc.  and sometimes after hearing what their interests are, the puzzle may change completely.   It's so much fun watching the joy in their faces when we meet to go over the visual of what this bucketlist would look like.  I know we save our clients so much time, stress and energy doing what we do best, while they can go back to doing what they do best.   But truthfully, the airlines hold that last piece to the puzzle.  I can pretty much make sure everything is covered except the weather and the airlines.. .  This became quite evident the last couple of weeks when airlines (all different airlines), cancelled flights days before travel and we were left scrambling.  

 

On this particular trip, the day of departure they learned that their connecting flight in New York was delayed 1.5 hours so that in turn cancelled their connection in Rome to Naples because with that change by airlines it became an illegal connection in Rome.  You may ask why was there such a tight connection in Rome - well airlines changed that after tickets was booked as well.   If we had gone ahead with the airlines decision to put them on the next flight to Naples, they would have missed their lunch reservations and Pompeii tour.  I knew how important this was to them and just could not give up.   I convinced  them to sleep on the plane I would take care of all the details & they would awake to a text of how to proceed.  So while they were in route:

 

 

Plan B:   I was praying the plane would make up the time in the air which usually happens and about midnight I would be able to switch the flight back to the earlier time.

Plan C: We hired a driver to be on standby to drive them to Pompeii in time for their tour;

 

One thing occurred to me while I was on hold for hours . . .   what are the other travelers on that flight doing that didn't have a Travel Expert? Are you missing the last piece of the puzzle?

 

Thankfully, I was able to text them about 2 hours before they landed that they would be arriving at 8am and  I was able to rebook them on original flight and VIP Meet & Greet in Rome would whisk them through passport control & to their connecting flight, easy peasy.

 

1) You know how crazy schedules are the day or two before you leave to go on vacation?  Would your work schedule allow you to sit on hold for hours making alternate arrangements?  OR

2)  What if you didn't know YOU COULD make alternate plans?  Many travelers just accept that they will be left in airports for hours and hours OR miss the connection and in turn tours lined up that day.    

3)  What if your flight is delayed and you miss your connecting flight?  Where will you stay for the night?  Will I lose that day at my resort? How will I beat the crowd to get on the next flight?  (Sometimes, there is only one flight going to that destination per day per airline).

 

If I had a dollar for every time I am asked "Do people still use travel agents?"  My response is all day, everyday (keep reading, I think you will be surprised at what a travel ADVISOR is).  And the really well informed travelers are using a travel Advisor INSTEAD of a travel agent or online booking site which is actually a travel agent without the service. 

If you have asked the question, "What can a travel expert do for me that I can't do for myself online?" 

A quick example of what a travel expert would do:  If your flight was delayed and your connecting flight would be missed, your travel expert could re book your flight before you landed saving you from standing in long lines of angry travelers at the ticket counter, book you in a hotel for the night* if no other flights for that day and make alternate arrangements at your original destination resort.   Of course, no one wants to HAVE to be the hero in this story, but sometimes travel plans go awry despite the BEST laid plans. Travel Advisors frequently are holding extra pieces of the puzzle, just in case.. .

 

 

Travel Advisors take pride in offering incredible service and value for our clients hard-earned vacation time and budget.  Service that begins with their dream and ends when they are unpacking after the trip.  This goes WAY beyond clicking BUY NOW on a computer screen.  Travel Advisors spend hours custom-crafting YOUR vacation to provide you with the EXPERIENCE you are dreaming of, collaborating with colleagues to check the best values, amenities. Travel Advisors don't "sell travel", we won't try to fit a square peg in a round hole . . . we research hotels, resorts, destinations with YOUR interests and hobbies in mind, if we have not visited the particular property or destination, we have long lists of vetted properties and excursions, in addition to being an engaged member of luxury consortia to obtain unbiased opinions (you can't exactly believe all opinions you read online). 

 

ARE WE A GOOD FIT?

You may not need all the services we provide?  We will let you know if you don't need our services.  We will ask questions to find out  what a perfect vacation looks like to you? WE CARE!  If your anniversary dream includes relaxing at a kid-free pool cabana with an umbrella drink?  I'm going to steer you towards an Adult-Only property with amazing service!  Are you looking for a hopping, party atmosphere or some place to relax and disconnect? That may be yet a different resort or destination.

 

Are you dying to show your children the Caribbean, but you really want a resort that has a nice adult-only section to sneak away to while the children take advantage of sports clinics or learn to fly on a trapeze before you all meet up a few hours later for some quality family fun?  I have the perfect place in mind to make everyone happy.

 

We can also provide benefits to the traveler that loves the challenge of researching travel and finds the exact hotel and excursions they want.  That's when our inventory to properties that may show sold out online or our vetted suppliers come in handy.  We may have amenities or upgrades at the resort you've chosen without the added cost.  We may have a vetted supplier for excursion or a private tour excursion which provides a much more authentic experience than a  big group tour.

WHY SO MANY QUESTIONS?

So these are why we ask so many questions, not to be nosy, we want you to have the best EXPERIENCE possible.  We take all of your answers and put together the puzzle to match little dream in your head.  It takes  hours and hours of detailed research and planning to put each little piece together. 

 

Many times, we have access to things that YOU may not be aware of.  Would you like to visit the Sistine Chapel after hours?  Would you like a photopher on location? Would you like a cooking lesson in the chef's home as opposed to cooking institution or restaurant?  Would your kids love a truffle hunt?  And much more, we can't reveal all of our secrets, right. 

 

Will you really get what you think you're getting online? Buyer beware, last week a client sent me an email asking if I could get them a room for 4 at a specific price at a specific resort during Christmas holidays.  Well, turns out I could get the room (which appeared sold out online), however the price shown online did not accommodate 4 people, the price for the room that would accommodate 4 people was significantly higher.  Saving money is great, and I'm all for staying within budget and getting a good value for your hard-earned travel dollars.  That is why we ask for your budget.  I really do have your best interest in mind . . . trust me, I will do my best to find you the perfect fit for the greatest value.  

 

Many think they are saving money "booking themselves", but what they may not realize is that the booking engine is a "large corporation travel agent", you will receive confirmation numbers and that is the end of that story, there is no service during and after the sale.  AND if something is not as you perceived it to be, you probably won't receive a live person that sincerely cares about your time and money.  When you give me or any other hard working travel professional, the "go ahead" to book that same vacation (often at the same price or better), most times, you are not paying in full on that day, you will receive first class service, well-organized travel documents, app with your day-to-day itinerary plans via mobile phone, destination information, restaurant recommendations and sightseeing recommendations, along with the peace of mind that we are available for you each step of the way.  If anything goes wrong on the trip, we typically have affiliates on-location and/or good working relationships with the hotels, resorts, cruise lines.  We sincerely advocate FOR YOU. Just ask yourself or the agent you are working with, what is included in the sale.

 

And lastly, Insure your vacation
Your travel advisor can help you choose the best policy for YOU.  One of the greatest surprises why you may want travel insurance is not just for trip cancellation.  Some countries are beginning to require travel insurance before they allow entry into their country.  We encourage you to purchase third party insurance, we almost never recommend purchasing the supplier insurance, we want someone that is looking out for you, not the supplier.

 

So I hope I've put all the pieces together for you on when to use a travel advisor and hope we can help you again in the future.  

Topics: travel ideas, travel tips, Italy

Topics: travel ideas, travel tips, Italy

 

Why Sicily?

 

 

I've just started a great new book as recommended by my bestie, "From Scratch" by Tembi Locke.   It has brought back many memories of our trip to Sicily earlier this year.

 

 

 

The beginning of the book is set in Florence, and it's  pretty awesome to read about all of these places I have visited.  But of course, it lists a few new places which I plan to check out next May when we are in Florence again.    One of the main characters in the book is a chef born and raised in Sicily so that has definitely spurred memories of the wonderful food we sampled while in Sicily. I'm only on chapter one, so stay tuned.  Meanwhile, let's talk about Sicily.

 

I was very anxious to explore Sicily after realizing that Allison's great grandparents were from small towns in Sicily.  We researched to find the specific towns where her great grandparents lived and we couldn't wait to experience the culture that her ancestors grew up in.  I have always been obsessed with Genealogy and my burning question has always been WHY here, why did they settle in the towns they did.

 

My first impression was  how different the landscape and food was from mainland Italy and how much things reminded us of home. I loved how friendly and approachable the Sicilians were to us.  I admired their value of family  and the hospitality they showed us through their love of food, much like most southerners.  

 

You don't have to have ancestors from Sicily to really enjoy their culture and traditions;  they will make you feel welcome no matter your heritage.  

Three things that really stuck with me:

 

Sicilian Heritage:  

The connections were evident as we drove throughthe countryside and saw names of cities and towns that were surnames of people we knew.

 

While we were touring with a private guide in Agrigento, he mentioned that he had visited the United States, he felt most at home in New Orleans because the culture and temperatures were familiar AND THE FOOD!

 

 

Rural Landscape: 

Sicily is wide open country, and every quaint town we visited was pretty far from the next.  As we traveled along we passed wide open green spaces of  livestock, farms, fishing villages, and  beautiful coasts.   As we traveled, our incredible local guides talked about the history of Sicily, their culture and traditions, as well as prepared us for the next stop.  The value of these local guides cannot be understated.  

 

 

Proud Sicilians:  
I don't know that I would have appreciated as much of Sicily without the local introductions and hands-on experiences with the dairy farmer, winemakers, chocolatier, etc.  They are such so proud of their heritage and traditions and welcomed us into their homes for the best home cooked meals I have experienced.  They explained about zero-kilometer foods grown and prepared in their gardens and communities using only in-season vegetables.  I know that I enjoyed foods I don't normally enjoy at home and I think it was because everything was so fresh.   This also reminded me of our ancestors living off of the foods they grew on their farms.

 

Exploring the Sicilian connections, experiencing the rural landscape and interacting with proud Sicilians are only a few of the things that attracted us to Sicily.

 

If you think Sicily sounds like a place you would like to visit, please reach out, I would love the explore the possibilities with you.

 

Click here MORE BLOG STORIES for more inspiration and ideas for a travel inspired life

Topics: travel ideas, travel tips, Italy

 

Medieval Monuments and Top Notch Cuisine

 

 

Bologna, capital of the Emilia-Romagna is the perfect Italian city for food and culture lovers.  Bologna is about one hour south of Venice, about halfway between Milan and Florence.  

 

Enjoy an amazing journey through Bologna's culinary legacy and have an aperitivo with a local. 

TASTE traditional freshly baked in-house goods while exploring this beautiful and quaint old university city.  

 
Enjoy this crowd-free gem May before the big summer crowds.  You will not soon forget the taste of their handmade egg pasta and stuffed pasta, especially tortellini.  The locals will share with you about the Sunday tradition of preparing their famous pasta bolognese, tagliatelle with ragu (they may spend an entire day on this long cooked meat sauce).  Our friends will take you into the mom and pop meat shops for a taste of the famous Bologna salami and ham.  

 

Admire the heart of Bologna . . . its historic monuments, beautiful churches, and medieval towers as you stroll beneath its many porticoed sidewalks!

Piazza Maggiore is located in the center of Bologna and was once just a grassy area.  In 1200 , the Municipality began purchasing houses and land to create a gathering place.  It's the perfect spot to sit at an outdoor cafe and people watch. 

Savor Tasty Memories!
If you have more than a day,  enjoy these other crowd-free towns in Emilia-Romagna regions:  Parma, Ravenna, Ferrara and Modena.     

Our Italy partners will introduce you to a family that has been crafting traditional balsamic vinegar  that has batches aged up to 150 years old. Watch the process and of course, enjoy the tastes of various vinegars.  

 

 

Head for the hills!
The hills of Parma . . . watch milk turn into parmigiano cheese under master cheese makers and of course, taste the cheeses aged 12- 24 or 60 months.

 

 

Take a behind the scenes pasta making lesson and savor the fruits of your labor.

 

Let our experts show you the hidden side of Bologna. 
Long ago, Bologna was a city built on canals. Get a glimpse of the city the way it used to be.

 

Visit the university... The Gelato University.

 

The best reason to visit Bologna is that you can truly discover and immerse yourself into the city instead of being hearded along tourist traps.  ENJOY great food at reasonable prices.  

Ssh, let's keep it a secret a little longer. 

Topics: travel ideas, travel tips, Italy